Top Tips to Help You Choose the Right Used Car

Let’s face it, driving isn’t cheap. By the time you’ve bought a vehicle, paid for insurance and road tax and filled up at the pumps, you may be left feeling well and truly out of pocket. However, there are ways to cut costs. For example, rather than paying for the privilege of getting a brand new car, you can look for second-hand vehicles.

OK, so you might not get to enjoy the new car look and smell if you opt for used motors. However, this can be a savvy financial choice. To help you choose the perfect second-hand vehicle, take a look at the following top tips.

Do your research

When you’re buying a car, plenty of research is a must. For example, check guide prices for the models you have in mind and compare similar cars online. This will give you a good idea as to how much the cars are worth and it will reduce the risk that you’ll pay over the odds. Also, you can use the web to research common faults and ‘what to look for’ tips for particular vehicle models.

Ask for the service history

When you go to view cars, ask for their service histories. Most vehicles need some work over the years and owners should have evidence of any repairs that have been carried out. If owners can’t produce these documents, ask why. If you’re not convinced by their explanations, walk away.

If it looks too good to be true, it probably is

Bear in mind that if you see a bargain on a motor that seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is. It is possible to get great deals, but when motors are sold at a steal, there is usually something seriously wrong with them.

Conduct a thorough inspection

Never rely on what people tell you about their cars. Before you hand over money for vehicles, it’s vital that you conduct a thorough inspection yourself. So that you get a clear view of cars, don’t view them in the rain or in poor light. Bear in mind that water can hide scratches, dents and a host of other problems.

If you’re not an expert when it comes to cars, get help. Take a friend or family member who has at least some mechanical awareness and who knows which areas to focus on when assessing a vehicle. This will help ensure you don’t miss any major problems.

Take a test drive

It’s impossible to get an accurate impression of a car without taking it for a drive. This is your opportunity to check its general condition and to find out whether it is comfortable. You should only hand over your money for vehicles if you’re completely happy with test runs.

By following these basic principles, you can avoid a range of pitfalls and you stand a good chance of finding the perfect second-hand car. If you’re ever unsure about how to approach the task, you should be able to find all the information and advice you need online.